Pedophilia and Its (Non-) Association with Physical Height among Sex Offenders

Abstract

Developmental indicators, including physical height, have been suggested to provide biological etiological support. The present study examines the association between physical height and pedophilia, using non-phallometric pedophilic indicators with a sample of 179 sex offenders. Unlike previous empirical endeavors, no significant findings or trends emerged in support of an association between pedophilic interests and physical height. The association between height and pedophilia remains queried, suggesting height may not be a relevant pedophilogenic factor.

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the Northern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Services and the Integrated Threat and Risk Assessment Centre. We also thank Alberto Choy, Liam Ennis, and Tarah Hook for their earlier assistance in the development of this research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sandy Jung

SANDY JUNG is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. She has published her research on sexual and violent offenders, risk assessment, and criminal justice decision making. She is also a practicing forensic psychologist and has provided expert testimony on cases related to sexual offending and criminal responsibility.

Ellen Klaver

ELLEN KLAVER recently completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. Additional research interests include self-injury and the study of deviant eating patterns.

Anna Pham

ANNA PHAM recently completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in the Psychology program at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.